Footwear Upper Stretch-Zone Layout for Foot Stability and Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footwear uppers do not effectively integrate stretch zones to provide optimal stabilization and comfort while preventing foot movement that could lead to injury or reduced athletic performance.
Innovation Solution
Footwear uppers are designed with integrated stretch zones, including two-way, four-way, and non-stretch zones, formed from a single sheet of material with intermediate layers to control stretch characteristics, enhancing stability and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the upper is designed to stabilize the foot securely, then foot stabilization is improved, but foot comfort and natural movement are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The upper is divided into multiple zones with different stretch characteristics: high stretch zones allow natural foot movement and comfort, while low stretch zones provide stabilization. This segmentation enables different regions of the upper to perform different functions simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between stabilization and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the upper are assigned different material properties and stretch characteristics based on local functional requirements. High stretch zones are positioned where foot movement occurs naturally, while low stretch zones are placed where stabilization is needed, creating local quality variations that satisfy both comfort and stabilization needs.
2Ease of manufacture
If the upper uses uniform material throughout, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but ability to provide both stabilization and comfort is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The upper utilizes composite construction with multiple layers having different stretch characteristics bonded together. This allows the integration of diverse material properties within a single manufacturable structure, providing both stabilization and comfort zones without requiring separate components, thus maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper incorporates dynamic stretch characteristics that allow different zones to deform differently in response to foot movement. This dynamic behavior enables the upper to adapt to various foot positions and movements while maintaining structural integrity, providing both comfort and stabilization through a unified dynamic structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The integrated stretch zones provide enhanced foot stabilization, reducing the risk of injury and improving athletic performance by allowing controlled foot movement, while maintaining a secure and comfortable fit.
Implementation Method 1
Each stretch zone is configured to stretch to a predetermined extent in a predetermined direction
Data Source
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AI summary
An upper of an article of footwear comprises a plurality of stretch zones each having a respective stretching capability. Suitable example stretch zones may include four-way stretch zones, two-way stretch zones, and/or lock-out zones. In some examples, an upper having a plurality of stretch zones comprises a single continuous piece of material configured to have regions of different stretching capability. The single piece of material may comprise a layered material having two stretchable outer layers, wherein a plurality of stretch zones of the piece of material are defined by corresponding intermediate layers disposed at selected locations between the outer layers. Examples of intermediate layers providing two-way stretch, four-way stretch, and little or no stretch are disclosed.